How I Fixed My Truck and So Can You

"HammerheadFistpunch" (hammerheadfistpunch)
09/08/2015 at 18:00 • Filed to: Cruisin, Repair, HHFP

That’s right, you too could fix my truck. At least now you could, armed with the knowledge packed into this entertaining and engrossing 10 minute video on how to rebuild a hub and replace a spindle on a 1997 Toyota Land Cruiser.

(demonstrating proper use of the Clarkson technique)

So after a long drive one day I noticed that my truck wasn’t driving like it should, when I got home I discovered that my wheel wasn’t...right. I jacked up the front of the truck, grabbed the top and bottom of the passenger side front wheel and wobbled it back and forth...which you shouldn’t be able to do. Chalk it up to one of the many problems I’m in the process of redoing thanks to a mechanic that...sufficient to say...I no longer trust.

Now I should say that although I’m very familiar with my car’s systems and I know my way around a toolbox I suffer from the same kinds of repair anxiety that many people do...

(Picture - the author before a shave...or after midnight...or both)

...Well, that’s not to say I don’t have a clue, its just I don’t have a lot of confidence that I wont get in there and run out of talent and be stranded. I like to think I’m about where a lot of car people are in their mechanical acumen; I do my own maintenance, and I’ve done the odd window regulator, bushing or vacuum line but I’m certainly not at the engine swap skill set yet...otherwise my Land Cruiser would already be !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! powered. A hub rebuild and spindle replacement was just outside the comfort zone, after all, the cruiser is my daily driver after all and I need it for going to work and things.

However, following many of the tips recently given in !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , like phone a friend and buy the manual, I felt pretty confident going in.

I did run into a few problems, though solveable, and I spent WAY more money doing this myself than I would have having a competent shop do it but I now have a TON more confidence that I can fix something; Important given that the Land Cruiser not only takes me to and from the office but sometimes (and hopefully with some additional frequency) to !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .

Besides a lot of that money is invested in tools that I can use over and over to say nothing of learning a new skill. Funny story, because I had to do this 3 times (1st time I didn’t know my spindle was bad, 3rd time because I forgot to grease the hub...doh!) I can do the whole thing in under 45 minutes and only have to run downstairs to check the manual once...maybe twice...and I would have no problem doing this repair on the trail.

Although I’m still not ready to have my hand built anchor (what Toyota engineers call the 1GZ-FE apparently ) crated up and shipped over I’m certainly not nearly as worried to get in there and tackle the other jobs on the list. Next up, a new lower oil pan (thanks again crappy shop for stripping my plug).

DISCUSSION (32)

wiffleballtony > HammerheadFistpunch
09/08/2015 at 18:16

The extent of my experience involves installing a CAI and some cosmetic stuff, but don’t worry I’ve got a screw driver, how can I help?

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > HammerheadFistpunch
09/08/2015 at 18:24

“only have to run downstairs to check the manual once”

Kinja'd!!!

HammerheadFistpunch > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent
09/08/2015 at 18:26

basement. Also...what the crap?!

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > HammerheadFistpunch
09/08/2015 at 18:28

Why was the manual in the basement instead of with you?

HammerheadFistpunch > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent
09/08/2015 at 18:29

its a 600 page pdf. The joke is that I was stupid, and Didn’t print off the pages I needed. I did the first time I did it, but I lost them.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > HammerheadFistpunch
09/08/2015 at 18:30

Tim > HammerheadFistpunch
09/08/2015 at 18:30

This is how I feel every single time I take on a new project on any vehicle. Insecurity loves company so it’s good to hear that others go through the same hassles of redoing things. (most recently I re-indexed the torsions on the 911 3 times. :-(

HammerheadFistpunch > Tim
09/08/2015 at 18:33

I bet you know how to do it now though!

Tim > HammerheadFistpunch
09/08/2015 at 18:34

Exactly! We’ll be amazing mechanics once we’re about 60 years old.

mtdrift > HammerheadFistpunch
09/08/2015 at 18:35

“Oh balls.” I’ve used stronger stuff.

ETA: Surgical gloves are your friend when you’re packing that grease in there, unless you prefer your chips molybdenum-flavored.

HammerheadFistpunch > mtdrift
09/08/2015 at 18:41

Yeah, I had gloves, but I’ve never been a big fan or greasing with gloves, its just weird to me.

mtdrift > HammerheadFistpunch
09/08/2015 at 18:53

I feel that. Gotta love the grease.

Kinja'd!!!

HammerheadFistpunch > mtdrift
09/08/2015 at 18:54

mtdrift > HammerheadFistpunch
09/08/2015 at 19:04

The Cascamorras “Grease Festival” in Spain - lotta slippery stuff going on there.

http://www.reuters.com/news/picture/g…

vicariousILive > HammerheadFistpunch
09/08/2015 at 21:13

I have felt that way for far too long. There has always been the fear if i screw something up i could ending up causing more damage and being stranded on I-80 in Nevada. But with the help of the the great info that is out there, especially videos, it definitely helps calm my nerves about taking on greater tasks in the garage. Over the past couple years after really researching the info that is out there I have realized that I can get by with what I have with a little help from friends and Auto Zone’s tool rental program I have been able to save a lot of money on repairs and maintenance.

I was scared of tackling installing Old Man Emu my lift on my own but after reading others experiences doing it sure helped. First time doing things never goes to plan but I have learned so much about my car and truck by doing the work on my own that i don’t anyone can gain by having someone else do the work.

Agrajag > HammerheadFistpunch
09/08/2015 at 21:40

This was great! I had to do the front rotors on my 240d recently, and like yours, the hub and rotor come off together. Having never attempted wheel bearings of this type I was intimidated, but attempted it anyway. So far so good.

R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > HammerheadFistpunch
09/08/2015 at 21:58

Great write-up, I can’t wait to here about you needing to wrench it up on a trail while overlanding.

+1 for the gizmo image (PS that is precisely how I feel when it comes time to work on the Disco/any car lol)

HammerheadFistpunch > R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet
09/08/2015 at 21:59

Im hoping you never hear that story, except maybe parts ripped off

R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > HammerheadFistpunch
09/08/2015 at 22:11

It is bound to happen, when you test the limits of what is possible with your equipment.....

BaconSandwich is tasty. > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent
09/08/2015 at 22:53

I suppose that would make one heck of a strange patio door...

BaconSandwich is tasty. > Tim
09/08/2015 at 22:54

You and me both! You definitely aren’t alone there.

Rufant v1.0 > HammerheadFistpunch
09/09/2015 at 03:09

Top work. Entertaining video too!

Judging by your posting history you will not regret going down this path of learning to fix the truck yourself.

Just on your next job, a good mate of mine fixes stripped threads for a living, he hasn’t done that exact job on an 80 but this was his advice:

Firstly the hardened steel insert in the sump is often much harder than the sump plug and sometime despite the plug being very damaged the sump thread can be easily cleaned up with just a tap (you will need to find out the correct size). If you inspect the thread visually you might be able to judge if this is the case, look to see how the ‘peaks’ of the threads look (post a photo if you’re unsure, i’ll send it to him).

If the thread is too damaged it may be possible to fit a helecoil in position (my 105 is right at the bottom of the sump facing downwards, which would be ideal, but the 80 maybe different). For this you will need to know what size the sump plug is, he thinks it’s probably 12x1.25mm, but again he said check to be sure. Then you will need a suitable sized drill (12.3mm for the 12x1.25mm thread), a helecoil kit for the correct size and a 6 inch steel rule and an extendable magnet. You drill out the old damaged thread (keeping the drill as straight as possible), and then using the steel rule make sure you have the tap lined up square in the X and Y axis before you start to cut a new thread, and keep re-checking as you wind the tap in. Once the new thread is cut use the magnet too collect all the swarf and then flush it out with some cheap oil just to be sure. The helecoil will probably be too long for such a short thread so you will probably need to cut it to size (in half), then using the tool in the kit you wind the helecoil in and then using some needle nose pliers break the tang off towards you rather than knocking it into the sump. New sump plug and you’re all apples :)

This might be worth considering before you pull the sump off.

1GZ-FE, I have a real hankering for a V12 Century, they are just so individual. VERY rarely one of the older V8 ones comes up for sale over here but unless someone brings it in as a personal import I don’t think we’ll see the V12 here, shame.

adamftw > HammerheadFistpunch
09/09/2015 at 08:58

Nice. A couple years ago when I built my XJ up and swapped to full-size axles, the bearings scared the shit out of me. Only took doing them like four times and having one lock up on me in the boonies upstate NY for me to get it right.

Did them a couple weeks ago on my Disco, had to re-torque the passenger side twice, driver’s side three times. I think its good to go now.

adamftw > HammerheadFistpunch
09/09/2015 at 08:59

You’re crazy. I used to never use gloves, I ALWAYS use them now. Even just changing my oil. Still wear flip-flops though.

HammerheadFistpunch > adamftw
09/09/2015 at 11:56

I just hate gloves, I don’t ride my bike with them either.

HammerheadFistpunch > Rufant v1.0
09/09/2015 at 11:58

Thanks! Regarding the plug, it was stripped and coiled at the previous shop, then the day I was supposed to leave for my kokopelli trip I noticed that it was leaking and wouldn’t tighten, the coil wasn’t holding, I had it bored out again and re coiled at great last minute expense and its still dripping but holding. I already bought a new lower pan, I just need to get it on there now. I was so pissed when I found out they stripped my plug and didn’t tell me, had I not noticed it would have fallen out mid trail and dumped my entire sump.

Rufant v1.0 > HammerheadFistpunch
09/09/2015 at 14:15

Right, gotcha. I remember reading that in the Kokopelli post. My mates first question when quoting a job is always “has someone already tried to repair it?” If a helecoil is done correctly and straight the first time it should be as good as new (or better), but as soon as someone gets the drill or tap out of whack, it is a whole new ball game. Sounds like a new pan is your best option.

I would also be jacking up that wheel you have just done the spindle/bearings on and giving it another wobble. JUST to be sure all has settled in well, last thing you want is some excess play taking out the nice new spindle. Then repeat in another few days.

HammerheadFistpunch > Rufant v1.0
09/09/2015 at 14:17

I’m going to be checking that wheel tonight for that exact reason

scotchead > HammerheadFistpunch
09/10/2015 at 14:34

You’ll never regret being able to do this yourself. I was lucky that my Dad did all his own maintenance and from a young age I was in the garage holding the light, watching him do timing, exhaust, brakes, you name it.

I do everything from normal fluid changes to timing belts. Still a bit hesitant of dropping a tranny and rebuilding it, but you don’t learn if you don’t try. Always buy the best tools you can afford. Nothing worse than going cheap and buying them twice. Another good tip is to review the job in the manual and online to see what special tools you may need and make sure you have them before starting.

Oh and switching between talking dirty and outright swearing like a sailor at your vehicle does really help, that and bleeding on your project.

Good luck with your newfound skills.

HammerheadFistpunch > scotchead
09/10/2015 at 14:36

Thanks, my dad also did a lot of his own maintenance and I inherited a lot of his tools, including the welding gear I swear I will learn to use someday.

Ted Ladue > HammerheadFistpunch
09/16/2015 at 11:57

Oh man. I have been there. I think doing anything down there takes three tries. I had a leaking gasket on my right front hub. Replaced that and then figured out I needed to replace the inner axle shafts so replaced then with Longfield birfs. Getting those little weird nuts off is the worst.

But it feels good when you it done right!

HammerheadFistpunch > Ted Ladue
09/16/2015 at 12:00

For me my least favorite part is getting that circlip off. Stupid clip